Multiple coin actuator for vending machines



y 7, 1963 J. F. SKOLD 3,088,571

MULTIPLE COIN ACTUATOR FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed Aug. '7, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 7, 1963 J. F. SKOLD 3,088,571

MULTIPLE COIN ACTUATOR FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed Aug. 7, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEMOR. FIG 7 JOHN F; SKOLD May 7, 1963 J. F. SKOLD MULTIPLE com ACTUATOR FOR VENDING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 7, 1961 INVENTOR. JOHN F. SKOLD y 7, 963 J. F. SKOLD 3,088,571

MULTIPLE COIN ACTUATOR FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed Aug. 7, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. JOHN F. SKOLD y 1963 J. F. SKOLD MULTIPLE com ACTUATOR FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed Aug. 7, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.12

FIG.13

INVENTOR. JOHN F. SKOLD United States Patent Gfilice 3,088,571 Patented May 7, 1963 3,988,571 MULTIPLE COIN ACTUATGR FOR VENDING MACHINES John F. Slrold, 4650 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, Ill. Filed Aug. 7, 1961, Ser. No. 129,748 7 Claims. (Cl. 194-92) This invention relates in general to coin apparatus and more particularly to a coin actuator adapted to receive pluralities of coins of different denomination for actuating a vending machine at each of a variety of pre-selected prices.

Prior mechanical actuators have been limited to the operation of a relatively few coins of the same denomination or limited to the operation of single coins of different denominations. The vending industry has long desired a mechanical coin accumulator which may be adjusted to be responsive to one or multiples of coins of different denomination totalling a predetermined selling price for unlocking a vending machine.

The actuator hereinafter described fulfills this desire by the provision of an adjustment means whereby multiples of one or several coins of predetermined value will release a machine for operation and is a principal object of the invention.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a mechanical coin actuator responsive to the deposit of a plurality of coins of like denomination totalling a given selling price or the deposit of a predetermined number of coins of different denominations totalling the said selling price for releasing a vending machine for operation.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a multiple coin actuator for receiving multiples of coins of different denomination for actuating a vending machine including means for the rejection and return of all coins deposited prior to operation of the machine.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a plurality of locking levers in a coin actuator adapted to be selectively coupled for unlocking the actuator upon the deposit therein of selected combinations of a plurality of coins of different denominations.

These and other objects and advantages in one embodiment of the invention are described and shown in the following specification and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a vending machine showing the front elements of the actuator.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the actuator.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the actuator, shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan View of the actuator, shown FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the actuator, shown FIG. 2, with an element removed.

FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 5 with another element removed.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view taken through section line 77, FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken through section line 8-8, FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation taken through section line fi9, FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation taken through section line 10-10, FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 8 with elements in changed position.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through section line 1212, FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through section line 1313, FIG. 7.

This particular embodiment of the actuator is adapted to receive pluralities of U.S. dimes, nickels and pennies. However, it is understood that coins of different sizes and denominations may be readily used with corresponding dimensional changes in the device.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a main channel or frame 1 provides a support for all of the elements and includes a pocket 2 in which rejected coins are returned to the user. The main frame also contains coin entrance apertures 3, 4 and 5 corresponding to the thickness and diameters of dimes, nickels and pennies respectively. Close control of these dimensions eliminates the insertion of certain spurius coins and slugs. A lever 6 is pivoted for rotation in frame 1 for the return of deposited coins when operated.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a shaft 7 journalled in the vending machine is adapted to be manually oscillated, as shown by arrow, for operating the latter when coins of proper number and denomination are deposited in slots 3, 4 or 5. Under these conditions, a carriage 8, shown FIG. 3, is unlocked, by means hereinafter described, and the link 9 connected to shaft 7 by lever 10 will be freed for vertical movement permitting one oscillation of shaft 7 for vending an article. The shaft and its associated linkwork is urged, by means not shown, into its idle position, thus, providing the energy to return the actuator elements to their normal idle positions, as shown FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, coins entering slots 3, 4 and 5 are adapted to descend by gravity in separate paths in passageways 44, 45, 46 to be hereinafter described. A value plate 11 is pivotally retained to the rear of the actuator for oscillatory movement about a shoulder screw 12 and is provided with three value button assemblies 13, 14 and 15 slidably retained in separate slots 16, 17, 18, as shown, and corresponding to dimes, nickels and pennies respectively.

In this embodiment, when each of the three buttons are in their upper idle positions, any coins deposited in corresponding slots 16, 17, 18, will descend to the return cup 2.

The button 13 corresponding to a dime may be positioned in each of the three offset notches 19, 20 and 21, for accumulating one to three dimes; the button 14 corresponding to a nickel may be positioned in each of the notches 22, 23, 24 and 25, for accumulating one to four nickels; and the button 15 corresponding to a penny may be positioned in any of the notches 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 for accumulating one to five pennies.

Each button is constructed, as shown in FIG. 12, which includes a pin 31 of two diameters terminating in a hollow plunger 32 at one end and provided with a concentric floating cup 33 with a spring 34 compressed therebetween.

It is now apparent that when any pin 31 is positioned adjacent the enlarged portion of each notch, it will partially project therein and be held normal to plate 11. To reposition each pin 31, the plunger 32 is depressed and the stem moved into any of the value notches shown.

Referring to FIG. 6, three hollow rectangular columns 35, 36 and 37 are secured in frame 1 by a pin 38 through their lower ends and three screws 40 through a bracket 39 secured to frame 1 and, referring to FIG. 7, each column has secured thereto plates 41, 42 and 43 which form coin passageways 44, 45 and 46 corresponding to dimes, nickels and pennies respectively with the lower half of each passageway open at the front side thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a rear cover plate 47 is secured to frame 1 by screws 48, better shown in FIG. 6, and to the central column 36 by shoulder screw 12 when plate 1 1 is in place, as shown in FIG. 2. Clearance apertures 49, 50 and 51 are provided in plate 47 for the selective movement of the pins 31 of buttons 13, 14 and 15 and an inclined partition 52 is secured in the lower portion of cover plate 47 to by-pass coins descending vertically in each passageway into return pocket 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the latch carriage 8 is slid- 3. ably positioned between the outer flanges 73 and the inside surface of frame 1 and against the inner sides of the columns 35, 36 and 37 and is pivotally connected to operating arms 99 secured on opposite ends of a shaft 53 retained in carriage 8.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 13, the carriage consists of a rectangular casing 54 which serves as a housing for three latches 55, 56 and 57 which correspond to and are positioned adjacent the rear columns 35, 36 and 37 respectively. Each latch is pivoted for oscillatory movement on shaft 53 and terminates in a radiused sear projection 58 at its upper end.

Referring to FIG. 13, each latch is provided with a lateral bore 74 along a common axis. The bore in latch 55 slidably retains price change plunger 59 adapted for movement from the position shown in full lines in engagement in the bore in latch 56 to dis-engagement therefrom as indicated in dotted lines. Likewise, a price change plunger 60 is slidably retained in the bore in latch 57 for engagement within the bore in latch 56, as shown in full lines and adapted to disengage therefrom when moved to the position shown in dotted lines.

When both plungers 59 and 60 are moved to their inward positions, the three latches will move simultaneously and when the plungers 59 and 60 are both withdrawn to their outward positions, each latch will move independently. When plunger 59 only is withdrawn, latch 55 may be moved independently, and latches 56 and 57 will remain engaged for simultaneous movement. Likewise, when plunger 60 only is withdrawn, latch 57 will move independently and latches 55 and 56 will move simultaneously.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 13, a spring 61 is retained in said latch, as shown, for normally urging the latch into its forward locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in the nickel column 36. A loop in each of the outer pair of springs 61 is engaged with each plunger 59 and 60 serving as detent means and stop means for retaining the plungers 59 and 60 in their pre-set positions. A stop abutment 62 integral with casing 54 is positioned behind each latch for limiting the rearward motion there- Of.

The upper end of casing 54 terminates in an oblique guide 63 to which is secured resilient coin abutments 64 positioned through clearance apertures 75 in guide 63 for directing each coin descended thereon into corresponding coin passageways beneath a stop pin 65 in each column which pin traverses each of the coin passageways 44, 45 and 46, best shown in FIG. 10. It is to be noted that in FIG. 8 the casing 54 is in its lowermost idle position with the projection 58 of each latch bearing against the surface of each column with the easing providing a closure for the lower open sides of the passageways and will guide all coins descending in the passageways in a downward vertical path.

A rectangular notch 66 is provided in each column with the upper surface 67 thereof adapted to be engaged by the projection 58 of each corresponding latch when the carriage 8 is raised a predetermined short distance. Thus, in the absence of the deposit of coins, each of the latches will normally prevent full upward movement of the carriage and, thus, prevent a full rotation of shaft 7 and the operation of the vending machine. This normal locked position is shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. ,1 and 10, the coin reject lever 6 is journalled on a shaft 68 in frame 1 and through column 37, as shown. An internal lever 69 secured to shaft 68. has a projection 70 extending through a clearance aperture 76 in cover plate 47 and engaged in a slot 77 in plate 11, as shown in FIG. 2. A flat spring 71 secured to column 37 bears against lever 69 and normally holds plate 11 in the vertical operating position, shown FIG. 2. The plate is further guided at the lower end thereof by an. integral tongue 72. engaged in a mating 4 slot 78 in cover plate 47. Thus, when the lever 6, shown FIG. 1, is depressed, the plate 11, shown FIG. 2, will be moved clockwise a predetermined angle about shoulder screw 12 and laterally displace the pins 31 from their adjusted positions in the passageways 44, 45 and 46.

In operation and referring to FIG. 8, when a penny is deposited in slot 5, it Will descend by gravity in passageway 46 and impinge upon pin 65 and be guided by the action of guide 63 and abutment 64 into position shown in dotted lines adjacent notch 66 resting against the end of pin 31 which is retained by pre-adjustment of button 15. In the event the button 15 is preadjusted downward for the accumulation of additional coins, then the uppermost one thereof will be positioned adjacent notch 66. Assuming that the nickel and dime buttons are in their upper idle positions, and both plungers 59 and 60 are in their inward positions, then the operation of the vending machine by rotation of shaft 7 will raise the carriage 8 upward and the projection 58 of lever 55 will cam over the outer edge of the penny, which is prevented from moving upward by pin 65, and permit the carriage to continue its rising movement to its extending upper position, shown FIG. M.

It is now apparent that when the pin 31 is adjusted by means of the button 15 into each of the notches 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, it will permit the deposit of one to five pennies edge upon edge with the lowermost coin resting upon pin 31 and the uppermost coin positioned adjacent notch 66. Then the carriage 8 will release for upward movement, as previously described, and operate the vending machine to vend articles corresponding in price to the position of the value button 15.

-It is important to note that when the casing 54 is raised to its uppermost position, as shown, the coin or coins retained on pin 31 will be deflected forward from the passageway bysame and descend by action of gravity in a path indicated by arrow (a) into a cash box, not shown.

In the event coins deposited in any of the passageways are rejected by the operation of lever 6 and the lateral displacement of pins 31, they will descend vertically in the passageway in a path indicated by arrow (b) and be engaged by partition 52 and deflected into return cup 2, shown FIG. 6. It is to be noted that the rear openings in, the lower portion of the passageways 44, 45 and 46 are normally closed by virtue of the surface of the casing 54 when the carriage 8 is in its lower idle position.

The same general construction and operation applies to the nickel, and dime columns which function in the same manner as the penny column described above.

Referring to FIG. 13, and assuming that the plungers 59 and 60 in the carriage 8 are moved to their inner positions, then therlatches 55, 56 and 57 will move simultaneously when engaging any coin positioned adjacent a corresponding notch 66 in any of the passageways. Thus, the device will operate on predetermined pluralities of each one of the coins of selected denomination, the number depending upon the adjustment of a selected value button and provided the remaining two buttons are positioned in their upper idle positions.

Any coin deposited intothe idle passageways will descend directly by gravity into the return cup 2 because of the absence of the interference imposed by pins 31.

Upon the withdrawal of pin 60 to its outer position, predetermined multiples of dimes and nickels made in accordance with the adjustment of buttons 13 and 14 will release the mechanism with the button 15 moved to its upper idle position.

Likewise, combinations of dimes and pennies will operate the machine by adjustment of buttons 13 and 15 with button 14 moved to its upper idle position.

In a like manner, when. the plunger 60 is moved to its inner position and the plunger 59 withdrawn to its outer. position, combinations of pennies and nickels or combinations of pennies and dimes may be made by adjustment of buttons 13, 14 and 15.

With both plungers 59 and 60 withdrawn, the levers will operate independently and a combination of pennies, nickels and dimes is required to release the machine with a corresponding adjustment of buttons 13, 14 and 15 into their active predetermined positions.

When the buttons 13-, 14 and 15 are in their single coin positions, as shown in FIG. 2, and the plungers 59 and 60 in their withdrawn positions, then the actuator will respond to the deposit of a single dime, a single nickel and a single penny.

Thus, it is apparent that by manual pre-adjustment an exceedingly wide range of combinations of single, double or triple coins of different denominations Will release a vending machine and vend an article of predetermined corresponding value.

It is understood that modifications to the above-described construction utilizing the features disclosed are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A multiple coin actuator for a vending machine comprising means forming a frame, a plurality of chutes in said frame positioned in planar parallel spaced relation adapted to edgewise conduct and temporarily retain gravity propelled coins of different size deposited in each of said chutes respectively, a recess in each of said chutes extending into one edge thereof for engaging and locking a latch therein including an open edge a predetermined distance downward therefrom for bypassing said coins therethrough, a multiple latch casing connected to and responsive to said vending machine retained in said frame for reciprocation from an idle locked position adjacent said open edge of said chutes into a vend position above said open edge, a plurality of latches corresponding to said chutes pivoted in said casing including spring means for normally and independently urging each of said latches into locking engagement with each corresponding one of said recesses in the coin path in each of said chutes for arresting said casing against movement to said vend position, a manually adjustable value pin positioned in said frame constructed and adapted to project into each of said chutes in a selected position for arresting the lowermost one of a predetermined number of like coins descended in each said chute in edge upon edge relation with the uppermost one of said coins positioned adjacent said recesses whereby each of said latches will independently engage and cam over the corresponding edges of each of said uppermost said coins and bypass entry into each of said recesses in each of said chutes and permit said casing to be moved to said vend position when said vending machine is operated and whereby the coins in said chute will descend from said actuator by gravity from said chutes through said open edges thereof when said casing is moved to said vend position.

2. The construction recited in claim 1 including a transverse abutment in each of said chutes positioned a predetermined distance above each said recess for preventing upward movement of each said uppermost coin when the latter is engaged by a corresponding said latch.

3. The construction recited in claim 1 including manual inter-connecting means for selectively locking preselected pairs of said latches together for simultaneous movement whereby predetermined pairs of coins of different size deposited in corresponding chutes Will release said casing for movement to said vend position when said vending machine is operated.

4. A multiple coin actuator for a vending machine comprising means forming a frame, a plurality of chutes in said frame positioned in planar parallel spaced relation adapted to edgewise conduct and temporarily retain gravity propelled coins of different size deposited in each of said chutes respectively, a recess in each of said chutes extending into one edge thereof for engaging and locking a latch therein including an open edge a predetermined distance downward therefrom for bypassing said coins therethrough, a multiple latch casing connected to and responsive to said vending machine retained in said frame for reciprocation from an idle locked position adjacent said open edge of said chutes into a vend position above said open edge, a plurality of latches corresponding to said chutes pivoted in said casing including spring means for normally and independently urging each of said latches into locking engagement with each corresponding one of said recesses in the coin path in each of said chutes for arresting said casing against movement to said vend position, a value plate secured to said frame for movement from an idle position to a reject position including spring means for urging same into said idle position, a value pin adjustably positioned in said plate corresponding with and adapted to project into each of said chutes in a selected predetermined position adapted to arrest the lowermost one of a predetermined number of coins descended in each of said chutes in edge upon edge relation with the uppermost one of said coins positioned adjacent said recesses whereby each of said latches will engage and cam over the edge of said uppermost said coin in each of said chutes and permit said casing to be moved to said vend position when said vending machine is operated, lever means in said frame for moving said value plate to said reject position and releasing coins resting thereon for gravity descent from said chutes when operated.

5. In a multiple coin actuator of the character described a means forming a frame, a chute in said frame adapted to edgewise conduct and temporarily retaining therein gravity propelled coins of a predetermined size deposited therein, a recess in said chute extending into one edge thereof for engaging and looking a latch therein and including an open edge a predetermined distance downward therefrom for bypassing said coins therethrough, a latch casing connected to and responsive to said vending machine retained in said frame for reciprocation from an idle locked position adjacent said recess of said chute into a vend position above said recess, a latch pivoted in said casing including spring means for normally urging same into locking engagement with said recess for arresting said casing against movement to said vend position, a value pin adjustably positioned in said frame constructed and adapted to project into said chute in a selected predetermined position for arresting the lowermost one of a preselected number of coins descended in said chute in edge upon edge relation with the uppermost said coin positioned adjacent said recess whereby said latch will engage and cam over the edge of said uppermost coin and out of said recess and permit said casing to be moved to said vend position when said vending machine is operated and whereby said coins in said chute will descend by gravity in a predetermined path from same through said recess when said casing is moved to said vend position.

6. The construction recited in claim 5 including a transverse pin in said chute positioned a predetermined distance above said recess for deflecting gravity propelled coins descended in said chute outward therefrom, a coin deflecting means on the upper end of said casing for conducting said coins deflected by said pin into the said recess of said chute to be temporarily retained therein by said value pin.

7. In a multiple coin actuator of the character described a means forming a frame, a pair of outer chutes and a central chute in said frame positioned in planar parallel spaced relation and adapted to edgewise conduct and temporarily retain gravity descended coins of different size deposited in each of said chutes respectively, a lock recess in each of said chutes, a latch casing journalled for reciprocation in said frame adjacent said chutes and over said recess from an idle locked position into a dis/placed vend position, a pair of outer latches and a central latch pivoted in said casing about a common axis and corresponding to each of said chutes independently movable from a locked position in engagement with each said correspond- 7 ing recess to an idle position displaced therefrom, spring means for independently urging each said latch into said lock position, plunger means for independently and selectively engaging each of said outer latches with said central latch, abutment means in each of said chutes for temporarily holding therein a predetermined number of said like coins 'With the uppermost one adjacent said recess for carnming each of said latches over the edge of each of said uppermost coin'whereby the deposit of said predetermined coins in the said central chute and in either of the outer said chutes will disengage either of the outer said latches and the said central latch from engagement with their corresponding recesses depending upon the selective position of said plunger means and permit the movement of said casing to said vend position.

No references cited. 

1. A MULTIPLE COIN ACTUATOR FOR A VENDING MACHINE COMPRISING MEANS FORMING A FRAME, A PLURALITY OF CHUTS IN SAID FRAME POSITIONED IN PLANAR PARALLEL SPACED RELATION ADAPTED TO EDGEWISE CONDUCT AND TEMPORARILY RETAIN GRAVITY PROPELLED COINS OF DIFFERENT SIZE DEPOSITED IN EACH OF SAID CHUTES RESPECTIVELY, A RECESS IN EACH OF SAID CHUTES EXTENDING INTO ONE EDGE THEREOF FOR ENGAGING AND LOCKING A LATCH THEREIN INCLUDING AN OPEN EDGE A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE DOWNWARD THEREFROM FOR BYPASSING SAID COINS THERETHROUGH, A MULTIPLE LATCH CASING CONNECTED TO AND RESPONSIVE TO SAID VENDING MACHINE RETAINED IN SAID FRAME FOR RECIPROCATION FROM AN IDLE LOCKED POSITION ADJACENT SAID OPEN EDGE OF SAID CHUTES INTO A VENTD POSITION ABOVE SAID OPEN EDGE, A PLURALITY OF LATCHES CORRESPONDING TO SAID CHUTES PIVOTED IN SAID CASING INCLUDING SPRING MEANS FOR NORMALLY AND INDEPENDENTLY URGING EACH OF SAID LATCHES INTO LOCKING ENGAGEMENT WITH EACH CORRESPONDING ONE OF SAID RECESSES IN THE COIN PATH IN EACH OF SAID CHUTES FOR ARRESTING SAID CASING AGAINST MOVEMENT TO SAID VEND POSITION, A MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE VALVE PIN POSITIONED IN SAID FRAME CONSTURUCTED AND ADAPTED TO PROJECT INTO EACH OF SAID CHUTES IN A SELECTED POSITION FOR ARRESTING THE LOWERMOST ONE OF A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF LIKE COINS DESCENDED IN EACH SAID CHUTE IN EDGE UPON EDGE RELATION WITH THE UPPERMOST ONE OF SAID COINS POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID RECESSES WHEREBY EACH OF SAID LATCHES WILL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGE AND CAM OVER THE CORRESPONDING EDGES OF EACH OF SAID UPPERMOST SAID COINS AND BYPASS ENTRY INTO EACH OF SAID RECESSES IN EACH OF SAID CHUTES AND PERMIT SAID CASING TO BE MOVED TO SAID VEND POSITION WHEN SAID VENDING MACHINE IS OPERATED AND WHEREBY THE COINS IN SAID CHUTE WILL DECEND FROM SAID ACTUATOR BY GRAVITY FROM SAID CHUTES THROUGH SAID OPEN EDGES THEREOF WHEN SAID CASING IS MOVED TO SAID VEND POSITION. 